What is kiss? Pronunciation and usage in English

kiss means . Learn how to pronounce and use kiss through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of kiss

kissverb

/kɪs/
Definition & pronunciation of kiss

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "kiss" in English. It's a bit tricky because it doesn't follow the typical English pronunciation rules!

Here’s the breakdown:

  • The "i" sound: The first "i" is pronounced like the "i" in "bit" or "sit" – a short, quick "ih" sound.
  • The "ss" sound: The "ss" is pronounced like a “s” sound – but it’s slightly shorter and more clipped than you might think. It's almost like a single, quick "s."
  • Bringing it together: You combine those two sounds: "ihs"

So, it sounds like “ihs” (think of it as “his” but without the “h”).

Here are some helpful tips:

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it! You can find pronunciations on:

  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying "kiss" and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

  • Focus on the quick “s”: Don't linger on the "ss" sound; it’s very brief.

Would you like me to:

  • Provide a phonetic transcription (using the International Phonetic Alphabet)?
  • Give you a few more example words with similar sounds to help you?

Usage and examples with the word kiss in English

Let's break down how to use the word "kiss" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a lot of different meanings and uses! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Physical Kissing (Most Common)

  • Definition: This is the act of touching someone's lips with yours as a sign of affection, romance, or friendship.
  • Examples:
    • "He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek." (Friendly/greeting)
    • "They shared a passionate kiss under the moonlight." (Romantic)
    • "I kissed my daughter goodbye before she left for school." (Family)
  • Variations:
    • Kiss someone goodnight: A typical farewell kiss.
    • Kiss someone goodbye: A farewell kiss.
    • Make out: (Informal) A prolonged, passionate kiss.
    • Peck: (Often playful) A light, quick kiss on the lips.

2. Figurative/Metaphorical Uses (Meaning "To Touch Lightly")

  • Definition: This is where "kiss" means to touch something lightly, often with delicacy or reverence. This usage comes from the idea of a kiss being a gentle, fleeting touch.
  • Examples:
    • "The rain kissed the flowers." (Meaning the rain lightly touched the flowers)
    • "The sunlight kissed the mountains." (Meaning the sunlight lightly touched the mountains)
    • "The wind kissed her face." (Meaning the wind gently brushed her face)
    • "His words kissed her ears." (Meaning his words were whispered gently to her)
  • Key Point: The feeling is lightness and gentleness.

3. "Kiss" as a Verb (Meaning "To Remove/Destroy")

  • Definition: This is a less common, older meaning, referring to removing something by a light, quick action.
  • Examples:
    • "He kissed the dust off his trousers." (Removed the dust)
    • "She kissed the problem goodbye." (Solved/eliminated the problem) – This is more formal and literary.

4. "Kiss" as a Noun (Referring to a Swirl of Liquid)

  • Definition: A swirl or streak of color or liquid.
  • Examples:
    • "The paint had a beautiful kiss of blue." (A small streak of blue in the paint)
    • "There was a kiss of smoke in the air." (A small streak of smoke)

5. "Kiss" in Phrases

  • Kiss and make up: To reconcile after an argument.
  • Kiss the ring: To show submission to someone in authority. (Often used humorously or critically)
  • Kiss the floor: (Usually in a negative context) To be punished physically.

Tips for Using "Kiss" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "kiss" is heavily dependent on the context.
  • Figurative vs. Literal: Be aware of whether you’re using "kiss" literally (physical contact) or figuratively (a light touch).
  • Tone: Using "kiss" in a romantic context is generally considered intimate. Using it figuratively can evoke a sense of beauty and delicacy.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you a more tailored answer, could you tell me:

  • Are you struggling with a specific type of usage of the word "kiss"? (e.g., the figurative meaning, or using it in a particular sentence?)

Synonyms for the word kiss

Idioms of the word kiss

kiss and tell
a way of referring to somebody talking publicly, usually for money, about a past sexual relationship with somebody famous
    kiss somebody’s arse
    (offensive, slang)to be very nice to somebody in order to persuade them to help you or to give you something
      kiss something better
      (informal)to take away the pain of an injury by kissing it
      • Come here and let me kiss it better.
      kiss something goodbye | kiss goodbye to something
      (informal)to accept that you will lose something or be unable to do something
      • Well, you can kiss goodbye to your chances of promotion.

      Practice with vocabulary kiss

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. The marketing team decided to ________ goodbye to the failing campaign.
      2. The chef's delicate touch allowed the sauce to ________ the dish with a subtle hint of garlic.
      3. After hours of intense discussion, they finally managed to ________ a consensus on the new policy.
      4. She always makes sure to ________ the details before submitting her reports to ensure accuracy.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

      1. Which of these actions typically conveys affection or a polite greeting in many cultures? a) Hug b) Kiss c) Nod d) Bow
      2. When a project is definitively terminated, which phrase best describes the act of abandoning it? a) Postpone indefinitely b) Put on hold c) Kiss it goodbye d) Discontinue operations
      3. Which of the following describes a very gentle, almost imperceptible contact? a) Embrace b) Caress c) Kiss d) Graze
      4. The new regulations will likely have a profound ________ on the company's annual profits. a) affect b) effect c) implication d) incidence
      5. When you briefly and lightly touch something, which of these verbs applies? a) Grapple b) Caress c) Cling d) Grasp

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. Original: The final touch of the artist's brush subtly enhanced the painting's texture. Rewrite using a form of "kiss":
      2. Original: They had no choice but to completely abandon the unprofitable venture. Rewrite using "kiss":
      3. Original: The comprehensive report provided a thorough examination of the market trends. Rewrite without using "kiss", but using a suitable replacement word:

      Answer:

      Exercise 1:

      1. kiss
      2. kiss
      3. reach (or achieve, form)
      4. verify (or check, review)

      Exercise 2:

      1. b) Kiss, a) Hug
      2. c) Kiss it goodbye, d) Discontinue operations
      3. b) Caress, c) Kiss, d) Graze
      4. b) effect
      5. b) Caress

      Exercise 3:

      1. The final touch of the artist's brush subtly kissed the painting's texture.
      2. They had no choice but to kiss the unprofitable venture goodbye.
      3. The comprehensive report analyzed the market trends thoroughly. (or examined, scrutinized)

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